Kazakhstan is planning to expand its legal gambling areas after lawmakers in the Mazhilis approved changes to the country’s casino law. Currently, casinos are only allowed in two locations: Borovoe in the Akmola region and Qonaev in the Almaty region. The new law will let more casino zones open in other parts of the country.

A report by Kursiv Media says the goal is to boost tourism and attract more investment to key resort areas. The law has already passed its second reading in the lower house of parliament, which means it has cleared an important step and is now closer to becoming official.

Where the New Casinos Could Be Built

Under the new rules, casinos could open in several new areas, including the Caspian Sea coast in Mangystau, the Lake Alakol area in Panfilov, and parts of Zhetysu, Almaty, and East Kazakhstan.

The central government will set the general boundaries for each gambling zone, but local authorities will choose the exact plots of land. This approach is meant to make sure casinos fit local development plans and existing infrastructure.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sport said the final locations will depend on practical factors like roads, electricity, water, and proximity to tourist sites. It also said the boundaries could be changed later if needed.

Tourism Growth Is Driving the Policy

The push to open new casino areas comes as Kazakhstan’s tourism sector grows strongly. Local reports say that from January to October 2025, investment in tourism rose by more than 38 percent compared to the same period last year. This brought total investment to about 923 billion tenge, or around $2 billion.

Visitor numbers are also increasing. Between January and September, 12.1 million foreign tourists visited Kazakhstan, with 8.6 million staying for more than one day. Domestic tourism remains strong too, with many locals using hotels and other accommodation across the country.

Jobs, Taxes and Social Concerns

Local media reports say the Ministry of Tourism and Sport expects the new casino zones to generate between $4 million and $6 million in tax revenue each year. They could also create around 500 jobs. Officials have confirmed that gambling taxes will not be lowered, showing the government wants to maintain strict financial rules.

However, the plan has raised some concerns. It comes after new laws aimed at tackling gambling addiction, and critics worry that adding more casinos could make the problem worse.

The government says these risks can be managed. It believes strict zoning and regulation will help. Surveys by the ministry show that people in the proposed areas are not opposed to the plans, and officials expect most customers to be foreign visitors rather than local residents.